In this enlightening article, you’ll be guided through the process of changing a standard butt stock to a collapsible one on an AR-15 style rifle. Brought to you by Brownells, Inc., this piece carries the expertise and precision in explaining each step in detail, helping you understand every tiny aspect of the makeover process, ranging from removing the buffer and spring to reattaching the carbine receiver extension.
Entrust yourself to the thorough steps which elucidate the removal of the extension tube, understanding the difference between the carbine receiver extensions, and securing the new collapsible stock. You’ll also come to appreciate the significance of torque in assembling police or military rifles and learn how to snugly secure the assembly at hand. In short, you have at your disposal a comprehensive guide to transforming your rifle’s butt stock.
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Understanding the Components of a Standard Butt Stock
Understanding the function of a buttstock
A buttstock forms an integral part of any firearm, and is specifically designed to be braced against your shoulder when you are aiming and firing the gun. The buttstock provides stability, enhances precision during shooting, and helps to absorb the recoil of the arm, thus reducing the impacts of the gun’s kickback. The design of the buttstock also plays a crucial role in your aim, essentially contributing to the overall shooting accuracy.
Exploring buttstock design and variations
The design of buttstocks varies, depending on the type of firearm, and can range from collapsible stocks, commonly seen in rifles, to the more conventional fixed stocks found in hunting rifles and shotguns. Each design provides distinct advantages. Collapsible stocks, for instance, are advantageous for their adaptability and flexibility, while fixed stocks are prized for their stability and balance.
Identifying the parts of a standard AR-15 buttstock
A standard AR-15 buttstock typically includes the stock body, buffer spring, buffer, and buffer tube, which is also called the recoil spring. The lower part of the rifle has the receiver extension, while the buttstock contains the takedown pin and the detent spring.
Components of a Collapsible Butt Stock
Understanding the design advantages of a collapsible buttstock
The collapsible buttstock provides several design advantages. Predominantly, it facilitates the adjustment of the firearm’s length, allowing it to be used comfortably by different shooters, or adjusted to suit different shooting situations. A collapsible buttstock is also highly portable, as it can be reduced in size for convenient transportation or storage.
Identifying the parts of a collapsible AR-15 buttstock
The key components of a collapsible AR-15 buttstock include a stock body that can be adjusted for length, a buffer tube, buffer spring, and buffer. The lower receiver of the rifle accommodates the receiver extension, which can be adjusted to allow the stock to collapse or extend. The collapsible buttstock also harbors the rear takedown pin and the detent spring.
Differences between a standard and collapsible buttstock
The primary difference between a standard buttstock and a collapsible one is the ability of the latter to be adjusted in length. This makes the collapsible buttstock versatile and adaptable, catering to various shooting conditions and user preferences.
Preparation for Changing the Butt Stock
Appropriate tools for changing a buttstock
changing a buttstock requires precise tools to ensure the operation is carried out safely and effectively. Key tools include a buttstock wrench and a magazine well filler block. The wrench is necessary for unscrewing the buttstock screw, while the filler block aids in working on the lower part of the AR-15.
Safely preparing the AR-15 for modifications
Prior to changing the buttstock, it is vital to ensure the AR-15 is separated into its upper and lower parts. Also, properly secure the rifle in a vice using a magazine well filler block. This enhances your control and safety during the modification process.
Using a magazine well filler block
The magazine well filler block proves handy during buttstock replacement, and is meant for securing the lower part of your AR-15 in a vice. This properly positions your firearm for efficient and safe modification.
Removal of Buffer and Spring
Understanding the role of the buffer and spring
The buffer and spring are vital components of your AR-15’s buttstock. They serve to absorb recoil, reduce movement and noise of the spring, and also cycle the rifle more smoothly. Proper understanding of these parts is essential when disassembling and reassembling the firearm.
Carefully removing the buffer and spring from the rifle
When you are taking out the buffer and spring, be vigilant. Failure to do so may result in the ejection of the buffer detent. Cut the buffer tension by pressing the buffer and removing the buffer and spring from the buffer tube.
Ensuring safety during the removal process
Your safety is paramount during the buffer and spring removal process. Always use appropriate tools and apply correct techniques to avoid accidents or damage to the firearm. Also, remember to wear personal protective equipment, as necessary.
Removing the Fixed Rifle Stock
Using a buttstock wrench for removal
The buttstock wrench is an essential tool when unscrewing the buttstock from the rifle. By fitting correctly onto the castle nut, it guarantees a safe and effective removal process.
Importance of cautiously removing the takedown pin
The takedown pin houses a small spring, so it is pivotal to remove it with caution to prevent the spring from shooting out.
Cautions regarding the retention of the detent and spring
The retention of the detent and spring can present a risk when removing the fixed rifle stock. Ensure to capture the detent and spring when removing the extension tube to prevent the gashing out of these elements.
Removing the Extension Tube
Understanding the extension tube function
The extension tube, or receiver extension, is where the buffer and buffer spring reside. It forms the connection between the rifle’s lower receiver and the buttstock.
Strategies for safely removing extension tube
Removing the extension tube usually requires considerable force as they are often tightly torqued. Using a wrench that engages the end of the receiver extension guarantees a safe and effective removal process.
Tips for handling potentially tricky removal situations
Notably, removal of the extension tube can cause the ejection of the detent and spring. To prevent this, you can use your thumb to capture the spring and detent.
Installing the Carbine Receiver Extension
Understanding the purpose of the carbine receiver extension
The carbine receiver extension is a vital part of the collapsible buttstock, serving as housing for the buffer and buffer spring, and attaching the buttstock to the rifle’s lower receiver.
Difference in carbine receiver extensions in different stocks
Carbine receiver extensions can vary, particularly between commercial and military-style stocks. It’s important to note that the latest M4 style of stock on military rifles has a smaller diameter than commercial receiver extensions.
Tips for installing the carbine receiver extension
When installing the carbine receiver extension, it is important to first thread the retaining nut onto the receiver extension as far as it will go. You should then proceed to screw the extension into place just until it engages the buffer retainer, effectively keeping it in the lower receiver.
Buffer Retainer and End Plate Installation
Identifying and understanding the buffer retainer
The buffer retainer is a small component that keeps the buffer and buffer spring in place inside the receiver extension when the upper and lower receiver are separated.
Understanding the end plate function
The end plate serves to retain the spring for your pivot pin. It also tightens up against the retaining nut to secure the assembly.
Procedure for installing buffer retainer and end plate
First, push the end plate forward to align it with the extension nut before tightening it, preferably by hand. Next, with the buffer retainer already in place, tighten the extension nut against the end plate. If the assembly is on a duty-use rifle, you should further tourque it to 38 to 42 foot pounds.
Reinstallation of Buffer and Spring
Procedure for safely reinstalling the buffer and spring
To safely reinstall the buffer and spring, simply insert the assembly into the buffer tube until it is captured by the buffer retainer.
Tips for efficient reinstallation
For an efficient reinstallation, ensure the buffer and buffer spring are clean and consider adding a small amount of lubrication to aid in the process.
Compliance to safety norms during reinstallation
It’s important to adhere to safety norms when reinstalling the buffer and spring. Use appropriate protective equipment and make sure the spring and buffer are installed correctly to avoid any mishaps when using the firearm.
Conclusion
Review of the key steps in changing the buttstock
Changing the buttstock of an AR-15 primarily involves removing the original buttstock, buffer, and spring before installing a new collapsible stock along with the buffer and spring.
Benefits of moving to a collapsible buttstock
A collapsible buttstock offers several benefits such as its versatility in accommodating different shooters and shooting situations, as well as the ease of transportation and storage due to its compact nature when collapsed.
Resources available from Brownells for AR-15 maintenance and modification
Brownells offers an array of maintenance and modification resources for AR-15 rifles. Along with a detailed guide on changing buttstocks, they also provide a variety of tools and supplies to facilitate the task. The ultimate goal is to enhance your shooting experience by ensuring your AR-15 rifle is well maintained and customized to your personal shooting style.
